More Good Flicks You Might Have Missed…

By Jill Eisner, Sr. Librarian

The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Starring Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson. Evelyn is a cheerfully strong-willed mother of ten who compensates for the failings of her alcoholic husband by becoming the most successful "contester" in the country. Between the mid-1950s and the early '60s, Evelyn submitted cleverly worded poems, jingles, and slogans in corporate-sponsored contests. Winning everything from palm trees and pogo-sticks to sports cars and cash, she somehow mangages to hold the financially desperate family together with happy smiles and a rock-solid defiance. Based on the book "The prize winner of Defiance, Ohio: how my mother raised 10 kids on 25 words or less" by Terry Ryan. 2005, rated PG-13. Drama.

Mao’s Last Dancer
Starring Chi Cao and Bruce Greenwood. Based on the autobiography Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin. The fascinating true story of Li Cunxin, a peasant boy from rural China who beats impossible odds to become a world-renowned ballet dancer. Through breathtaking talent and sheer determination, Li makes his way to the United States, but when he falls in love with an American woman, he must risk everything to remain in the land of the free. 2009, rated PG. English and Mandarin. Drama.

Being Julia
Starring Annette Benning and Jeremy Irons. Based on the novella Theatre by W. Somerset Maugham. Julia is a true diva: beautiful, talented, wealthy and famous. She has a devoted husband who has masterminded her brillant career - but after years in the spotlight she begins to suffer from a severe case of boredom and longs for something new and exciting to put the twinkle back in her eye. She finds what she is looking for in a handsome young American fan, who adds a few more sparks than Julia was hoping for. 2005, rated R. Comedy/Drama.

Enjoy!

Jill